You find the perfect lehenga or kurta online, choose your usual size, and it arrives too tight across the shoulders or too long in the skirt. It is one of the most common frustrations for NRI and international shoppers, and the reason is simple: Indian ethnic wear sizes don't line up neatly with US, UK, European or Australian sizes, and they also vary from brand to brand.
The reliable way to buy the right size is to work from your body measurements, not the letter on the label. This guide explains how Indian sizing works, gives approximate conversion tables for women's kurtas and blouses, lehengas and skirts, salwars and palazzos, and girls' outfits by age, and explains saree and petticoat sizes. All conversions are approximate, so always check the seller's own size chart against your measurements before ordering.
How Indian ethnic wear sizing works
Indian ready-made ethnic wear usually uses one of two systems:
- Letter sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL and sometimes up to 6XL. These are based mainly on the bust measurement.
- Numeric sizes: 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and so on. These numbers are the bust measurement in inches (or the garment bust size), not a US or UK dress size. An Indian "size 36" kurta means roughly a 36-inch bust, which is very different from a European size 36.
On top of this, many Indian outfits are sold semi-stitched or unstitched, especially lehengas, anarkalis and salwar suits. A semi-stitched outfit has the main pieces sewn but leaves the side seams open so a tailor can fit it to you, typically up to a maximum bust size, such as "fits up to 42 inches". Unstitched suits and blouse pieces come as fabric only. If you live abroad without a tailor who knows Indian clothes, choose ready-to-wear (fully stitched) pieces, or order stitching to your measurements.
Measure yourself first
Before you look at any chart, take these four body measurements with a soft tape, wearing the bra you'll wear with the outfit:
- Bust: around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape level.
- Waist: around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and seat.
- Height or length: your height, plus the length you want for kurtas or skirts (measured from the waist down to the floor, wearing your shoes).
For blouses, you'll need more detailed measurements. Follow our full blouse measurement guide with 14 measurements and a printable chart.
Women's kurtas, tops and blouses: Indian vs US, UK, EU and AU sizes
Use your bust measurement to find your row. These are body measurements; the garment will be slightly larger to allow ease.
| Indian size | Bust (inches) | Bust (cm) | US | UK / AU | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 32 | 32 | 81 | 2 | 6 | 34 |
| S / 34 | 34 | 86 | 4–6 | 8–10 | 36–38 |
| M / 36 | 36 | 91 | 8 | 12 | 40 |
| L / 38 | 38 | 97 | 10–12 | 14–16 | 42–44 |
| XL / 40 | 40 | 102 | 14 | 18 | 46 |
| XXL / 42 | 42 | 107 | 16 | 20 | 48 |
| 3XL / 44 | 44 | 112 | 18 | 22 | 50 |
| 4XL / 46 | 46 | 117 | 20 | 24 | 52 |
Important: these conversions are approximate. Indian kurtas are often cut narrower at the shoulders and armholes than Western clothing. If your shoulders or upper arms are broad, or you are between sizes, choose the larger size and have it taken in.
Lehenga, chaniya and skirt sizes
For lehengas and chaniya skirts, the waist is the key measurement, followed by the hips and length. Most lehengas have a drawstring or a zip with some adjustment, but a heavy skirt that is too small at the hips won't sit properly.
| Size | Waist (in) | Waist (cm) | Hips (in) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 26 | 66 | 34 | 86 |
| S | 28 | 71 | 36 | 91 |
| M | 30 | 76 | 38 | 97 |
| L | 32 | 81 | 40 | 102 |
| XL | 34 | 86 | 42 | 107 |
| XXL | 36 | 91 | 44 | 112 |
| 3XL | 38 | 97 | 46 | 117 |
Length: a standard ready-made lehenga is usually about 40 to 42 inches (102–107 cm) long from waist to hem. Measure from your waist to the floor while wearing the shoes you'll wear. If you are petite or tall, check the length in the listing, and ask whether the hem can be adjusted. A lehenga that drags on the floor is uncomfortable and gets damaged, while one that is too short shows your ankles in a way that may not suit the look.
For garba and dandiya, choose a chaniya with a good flare and a length that clears the floor by about an inch, so you can spin safely.
Salwar, churidar, palazzo and sharara sizes
| Bottom | Key measurement | Typical length | Fit tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salwar (Patiala / regular) | Waist (usually drawstring) and hip | 38–40 in (97–102 cm) | Loose and forgiving; check the length. |
| Churidar | Waist, hip, calf and ankle | Extra-long, 42–46 in (107–117 cm), to gather at the ankle | Fitted at the calf; if your calves are full, size up or choose leggings. |
| Palazzo | Waist and hip | 38–40 in (97–102 cm) | Should just clear the floor with shoes. |
| Sharara / gharara | Waist and hip | 38–41 in (97–104 cm) | Wide flared legs; length matters more than width. |
| Dhoti pants | Waist and hip | Usually ankle length | Often elastic waist; easy to fit. |
Kurta lengths vary widely: short kurtis are around 28–32 inches, regular kurtas 38–42 inches, and anarkalis and long kurtas 46–54 inches. If you are under about 5 ft 3 in (160 cm), a floor-length anarkali may need shortening.
Girls' and kids' sizes by age
Indian kidswear is usually labelled by age. Children of the same age vary a lot, so use the chest and height as your guide, and allow room to grow.
| Age | Approx. height (cm) | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Lehenga length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 80–92 | 20–21 | 51–53 | 16–18 |
| 3–4 years | 95–105 | 22–23 | 56–58 | 20–23 |
| 5–6 years | 108–118 | 24–25 | 61–64 | 24–27 |
| 7–8 years | 120–130 | 26–27 | 66–69 | 28–31 |
| 9–10 years | 132–142 | 28–29 | 71–74 | 32–35 |
| 11–12 years | 143–152 | 30–31 | 76–79 | 36–38 |
| 13–14 years | 153–160 | 32–33 | 81–84 | 38–40 |
For little ones, choose skirts that end just above the ankle so they don't trip, and soft cotton linings. For teenagers, women's XS or S often fits better than the largest kids' size. See our guide to Indian outfits for girls for age-wise styles.
Saree and petticoat sizes
Sarees are mostly "one size", but their length and the petticoat matter:
- Standard saree: about 5.5 metres (6 yards) of draping fabric. With an attached blouse piece, the total is usually 6.2 to 6.5 metres.
- Nauvari (nine-yard) saree: about 8 to 8.5 metres, worn in the Maharashtrian style. Ready-to-wear stitched nauvaris are sold by waist size.
- Tall women (above about 5 ft 8 in / 173 cm) should look for sarees of at least 5.5 metres plus the blouse piece, so the pallu isn't short.
- Petticoat: usually sold by length (38 to 42 inches) with a drawstring waist that fits a wide range. Choose a length that reaches the floor in your shoes; for heels, choose a longer petticoat.
- Ready-to-wear sarees are sold by waist size, so use the lehenga waist table above.
If you are new to sarees, start with our saree for beginners guide.
Choosing silhouettes for your body shape
Size is only half of fit. Indian outfits come in very different silhouettes, and the right cut can make a bigger difference than the right size.
- Fuller bust: choose kurtas and anarkalis with princess seams or a well-defined empire line, and avoid heavy embroidery right across the bust. For blouses, a sweetheart or V neckline is often more comfortable than a high neck.
- Fuller hips: A-line kurtas, anarkalis and kalidar (panelled) lehengas flow over the hips. Avoid straight, narrow kurtas with side slits that pull open.
- Petite (under about 5 ft 3 in / 160 cm): knee-length or mid-calf kurtas, lighter lehengas with smaller borders, and sarees with narrow borders keep you from being swamped by fabric. Have floor-length outfits hemmed.
- Tall (above about 5 ft 8 in / 173 cm): long anarkalis, sharara sets and lehengas with wide borders look striking. Check kurta and sleeve lengths, which are often cut for an average height of around 5 ft 4 in.
- Broad shoulders: raglan or kimono sleeves and V necklines are comfortable; avoid narrow, tightly set-in sleeves, which are common in ready-made Indian kurtas.
When in doubt, an anarkali or A-line kurta is the most forgiving silhouette for almost every body shape.
Plus sizes and maternity
Many Indian brands now offer extended sizes up to 5XL or 6XL (bust around 50–54 inches), but the range varies, and the cut is not always adjusted for larger sizes. A few tips:
- Look for listings that state the garment measurements for each size, not only the letter.
- Semi-stitched outfits often have a generous maximum size, and made-to-measure stitching is widely available from Indian sellers at little or no extra cost, which is often the best option for plus sizes.
- For maternity, choose anarkalis, kaftan-style kurtas, sharara sets with elastic waists, or a saree draped below the bump with a stretchy or extendable blouse. Avoid heavy, tight lehenga waistbands.
- Comfort matters more than ever at long events, so choose breathable fabrics like cotton, chanderi and soft georgette.
Why sizing differs between brands, boutiques and marketplaces
Shoppers abroad often notice that two "M" kurtas from India fit completely differently. That's normal, and knowing why helps you avoid returns:
- Large Indian brands usually publish detailed size charts with garment measurements and are fairly consistent within their own range.
- Designer labels and boutiques often cut slimmer and smaller, and many offer custom sizing. Always message them with your measurements.
- Marketplace sellers may use a generic chart that doesn't match the actual garment. Read reviews that mention size, and ask the seller to confirm the bust and length of the actual piece.
- Handloom and artisan pieces may vary slightly from piece to piece because they are made by hand. Small differences are part of their character.
Keep a note of what fits you well from each brand. Next time, you can order with much more confidence.
Between two sizes? How to choose
- Choose the larger size for kurtas, blouses and lehengas. Taking clothes in is easy; letting them out is limited by the seam allowance.
- Check the seller's chart for "garment measurement" versus "body measurement". A garment bust of 38 inches usually fits a 36-inch body bust.
- Read the fabric: stretchy fabrics like lycra-blend churidars are forgiving; heavy silk, brocade and velvet have no stretch.
- Consider the occasion: for garba or long weddings where you'll dance and eat, a little ease is more comfortable.
- Check the return policy before ordering from India. International returns can be expensive or impossible, which makes getting the size right the first time even more important.
Buying from India for the first time? Our guide to buying Indian clothes from abroad covers shipping, customs and payment, and our wedding guest guide helps you choose the right outfit for each event.
Footwear and bangle sizes
Accessories complete the outfit, and they have their own sizing quirks.
Footwear (juttis, mojaris, kolhapuris): Indian shoe sizes generally follow UK sizing, so a UK 5 is an Indian 5. For US women's sizes, add about two: Indian/UK 5 is roughly US 7. For EU sizes, Indian/UK 5 is roughly EU 38. Handmade juttis are often snug at first and soften with wear; if you are between sizes, choose the larger one, especially for long events where feet swell.
Bangles: Indian bangle sizes are written like 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and 2.10. They refer to the inner diameter in inches, where the number after the point counts sixteenths of an inch. So 2.4 is 2 and 4/16 inches (about 5.7 cm), 2.6 is about 6.0 cm, 2.8 is about 6.4 cm, and 2.10 is about 6.7 cm. To find your size, measure the widest part of your hand with your thumb tucked in towards your little finger, or measure the inside of a bangle you already own. Openable (kada-style) bangles and adjustable bracelets are a safer choice when ordering from abroad.
Rings and anklets: many traditional rings and payal (anklets) are adjustable. For fixed sizes, ask the seller for the inner diameter in millimetres and compare it with a ring that fits you.
Quick reference: which measurement matters most
| Outfit | Most important measurement | Second |
|---|---|---|
| Kurta / anarkali | Bust | Length and shoulder |
| Saree blouse | Bust | Apex and armhole |
| Lehenga / chaniya | Waist | Length (in shoes) |
| Salwar / palazzo / sharara | Waist and hip | Length |
| Ready-to-wear saree | Waist | Height |
| Kids' outfits | Chest | Height |
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian size M the same as US size M?
Not always. Indian M usually fits around a 36-inch (91 cm) bust, which is close to a US 8 or UK 12, but Indian kurtas are often cut narrower at the shoulders and armholes. Always compare your body measurements with the seller's size chart.
What does size 36 mean in Indian clothes?
In Indian ethnic wear, size 36 usually means a 36-inch (91 cm) bust measurement. It is not the same as a European size 36, which is much smaller.
How do I convert Indian sizes to UK sizes?
As a rough guide, Indian S is about UK 8–10, M is about UK 12, L is about UK 14–16 and XL is about UK 18. Because brands differ, use your bust, waist and hip measurements rather than relying on the letter size.
Should I size up for a lehenga?
If you are between sizes, yes. Choose the size that fits your waist and hips comfortably, because heavy lehenga skirts have little stretch. A tailor can take in the waist, but letting it out is limited.
How long is a standard lehenga?
Most ready-made lehengas are about 40 to 42 inches (102–107 cm) from waist to hem. Measure your waist-to-floor length in the shoes you'll wear and check the listing before ordering.
How long is a standard saree?
A standard saree is about 5.5 metres (6 yards) of draping fabric, or around 6.2 to 6.5 metres including the blouse piece. A nauvari (nine-yard) saree is about 8 to 8.5 metres.
What size should I order for a 10-year-old girl?
A typical 9–10 year old has a chest of about 28–29 inches (71–74 cm) and needs a lehenga length of about 32–35 inches. Measure her chest and waist-to-ankle length, and allow an inch or two for growth.
What does semi-stitched mean?
A semi-stitched outfit has its main parts sewn but the side seams left open, so a tailor can fit it to your measurements. It usually fits up to a maximum size stated in the listing. If you don't have a tailor, choose fully stitched, ready-to-wear outfits.
Are Indian sizes smaller than Western sizes?
Often they run slightly smaller, especially at the shoulders, armholes and sleeves. Many shoppers abroad go one size up in Indian kurtas and blouses, but the safest approach is to compare your measurements with the brand's chart.
How do I choose petticoat size for a saree?
Petticoats usually have a drawstring that fits a wide range of waists, so choose by length. Pick a length (typically 38–42 inches) that reaches the floor in the shoes you'll wear with the saree.